Hi everyone! We are continuing our Inspiration blog series where we feature guest posts from women all over the world who have deeply inspired us. I am so excited to share this interview with one of my dearest friends, Shay Spaniola. Shay is an artist, designer and owner of bunglo - a home decor company that creates Fair-trade, high vibe products to keep your home shining!

I met Shay, I think almost 2 years ago, through a mutual friend and I will never forget our first conversation. We had an instant connection and chatted about health and meditation and following our passions. Shay deeply influenced me to quit my desk job and follow my own dreams! So it is with this that I am excited to share a bit about her inspiring story, below.

photo from bunglo.co

I know who you are and what your business or passion is, but what do you say when people ask "What do you do?"

I would say I'm a designer + photographer and own www.bunglo.co; a home decor company based out of Austin. I work with socially responsible factories in India to produce my home goods for stores such as Neimans, Anthropologie, Bloomingdales and West Elm!

Was there an "aha" moment that made you feel like you just had to follow your dream?

I've always followed my passion for art, my work tends to shift mediums always which I like. Right now, bunglo is a series of work to me. I'm already seeing new changes in my work and welcome the path as it keeps it fun! I think my biggest 'aha' moment was realizing that to follow my dreams, I must trust in the changes along the way.

Who are your biggest inspirations?

My biggest inspirations? I'd have to say traveling. It always gives me a child like wonder, I enjoy capturing color palettes with my camera, meeting new people, wandering... I make it a big priority to travel and I never regret the results for inspiration!!

What does a typical weekday look like for you?

Every week is so different. If I'm in Austin, I try to workout in the morning, spend some time outside - Some days I'm at the computer in emails and others, I'm photographing bedding collections, designing the next season or on long hikes trying to clear my mind!

What are you most passionate about?

I'm very passionate about healthy living! I'm a big fan of raw foods, meditation, living in rhythm with nature and the importance of practicing creativity!

What has been the least favorite job and the most favorite job/ career you've had?

I've had many boring and draining jobs... but they taught me what I didn't want to be doing and pushed me to search for what did make me happy :) My favorite job was truly amazing. I was hired as a photographer to travel to 14 countries in Africa, South America, Caribbean, and Asia. I spent my days following students that were studying abroad or working on their masters abroad, learning about their research deep in the Costa Rican rainforests to working with non-profits focused on clean water, micro financing and spent time in orphanages and exploring colorful towns in Mexico. It was also nice staying at fancy hotels with the best meals - it was a big leap from my usual hostel stays on a budget!

What would you want to tell other women who are feeling ready to take the leap and follow what makes them happy?

Just do it! If you really love it enough, everything will work out. There's no such thing as failing, only giving up so have no fear, stay true to your passion!